10 Easy Ways I Cut Out Plastic

It was easier than I thought.

When it comes to cutting down my use of plastic, I didn’t realise how many ways I could do it that went beyond a reusable water bottle and outcasting plastic straws. I didn’t know how much more I could be doing until I did some research, and it turns out it’s super simple and inexpensive to make some of these swaps! I could use this article to talk about the importance of stainless steel straws, reusable shopping bags and reusable coffee cups, but I feel like most people already know about these things, so instead I’m going to use this article to talk about swaps that I didn’t even think of to do, because it’s these things that will make the biggest difference!

Body Moisturiser

I used to think that I needed to buy products branded as ‘moisturiser’ for them to work. Then I found the miracle worker that is coconut oil. I bought a huge glass jar (literally a litre) of coconut oil and this stuff works wonders for my skin. I have naturally really dry skin, but applying this to my body keeps my skin moisturised until my next shower - it’s brilliant!

2. Face Moisturiser

When I bought the coconut oil, I was planning on using it on my face, also. However after about a month I started to notice that I was getting a lot more breakouts that usual, so I switched to grapeseed oil. This works SO MUCH better for my face because it doesn’t block pores!

3. Make Up Remover

Again, coconut oil. Works better than any make up wipe I’ve ever used.

4. Toner

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to two parts water together to make a toner - Amazing!

5. Shampoo and Conditioner

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical to make the switch from shampoo and conditioner in plastic bottles to bars, but now that I’ve done it I don’t understand why I was so hesitant! They last so much longer and work just as well. They’re also £4 cheaper than what I was using previously so I’m also saving money! I get mine from here.

6. Shower Soap

This might sound like a bit of an obvious one, but I was one of those people who used shower soap in a plastic bottle, which really isn’t necessary. I made the switch to charcoal soap and it’s working very well for my dry skin. And again, it lasts longer and is cheaper!

7. Toothbrush

Millions of plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year. I swapped out mine for a bamboo toothbrush. I have to say that they’re a bit more expensive than the plastic ones I used to buy, but I don’t mine spend a couple of pounds more if it means I’m helping the environment.

8. Toothpaste

Powder toothpaste; who knew that it was a thing!? I certainly didn’t! I use the peppermint one from Georganics and it comes in a little glass tub that I’ll be reusing when it runs out! It’s on the expensive side, but it lasts a lot longer than the tubes so it works out about the same price.

9. Safety Razor

Again, millions of plastic razors are thrown away every year so I swapped out to a safety razor. They’re made of stainless steel and will last for years - and the blades are recyclable! They are more expensive than the plastic ones, but these are an investment!

10. Menstrual Cup

Now, this one won’t be for everyone. The idea of shoving a silicone cup up my vagina wasn’t something that made me cringe, but for some people it does. I can’t even imagine how much money I have spent on tampons and pads every year, even thinking about it just makes me angry. That’s why I decided to invest in the Menstrual Cup. I decided to get the Organicup because they don’t use plastic in their packaging, but there’s so many other options. These things last years and can be left in for 12 hours. They’re so much safer because they don’t contain all of the toxins that tampons do! They do take a bit of getting used you, and you really do get down and dirty with your period, but think of all the money you’ll be saving!

These may seem like really simple swaps to some people, but to me they were eye opening as to how conditioned I’ve been to believe that I needed some of these products to come in plastic when I really didn’t need to. I’m never going to be able to become fully plastic free, because of the nature of my job I get a lot of deliveries and more often than not, they come in plastic. There are some times when I need to make an exception and I’m okay with that, because I’m doing a heck of a lot more to cut down on plastic that I was two months ago!